Mount Union 52
Centre 7
Colonels potent offense hasn't seen a defense like this.
Salisbury 35
Kean 24
Cougars can't slow Gulls quite enough to advance.
Linfield 27
Wesley 21
Expect special teams to factor in this one.
Delaware Valley 35
St. John Fisher 23
Aggies can score on Cardinals' defense
UW-Whitewater 41
Franklin 7
Warhawks keep the pedal down.
St. Thomas 28
Monmouth 17
Tanney's remarkable career ends in St. Paul.
North Central 24
Wabash 13
This Cardinals defense is the real deal.
Mary Hardin-Baylor 42
McMurry 24
Crusaders send War Hawks packing to Division II.
UW-W Athletics earn another honor!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Deep Playoff Run: What Matters
There are innumerable ways dissect an upcoming football game. Statistics, current level of play, comparative schedules, health of each team, match-up analysis based on assessment of strengths and weaknesses, athletic ability, size and speed, experience, previous results, and a host of other factors can go into an analysis of potential outcome. What about evaluating UW-Whitewater's chances of making a deep run in the NCAA D3 playoffs? Because of the level the Warhawk program has reached, there are a number of questions that have already been answered. Their talent level, competition level, athleticism, size, experience, coaching, and pedigree are all well established. Therefore, the bottom line to UW-W's chances have to do with how they perform in certain key aspects of the game.
When assessing on-field factors, there are several that stand out as vital in determining a team's ability to make a deep run in the D3 playoffs. Below is an analysis of some performance keys to UW-W's bid for a third straight NCAA D3 National Championship.
1. Taking Care of the Football. Turning the ball over is one of the quickest ways to assure an early exit in the playoffs. Even the lesser teams in the tournament are teams that are used to winning and most are capable of making a team pay for giving the ball away.
UW-W Analysis: The Warhawks have turned the ball over 8 times in 818 touches (479 rushes, 280 passes, and 59 returns). Only St. Scholastica has turned the ball over fewer times (7). UW-W has not given the ball away at all in the last four games and only twice in the last six games. QB Matt Blanchard has thrown 481 passes with 41 TD's and only 4 interceptions in his 21 career starts. UW-Whitewater simply refuses to beat themselves, which has gone a long way toward extending the Warhawks' nation leading 41 game winning streak.
2. Balanced Offense. A team capable of both running and passing is far more difficult to defend and prepare for than a team that relies on a one dimensional attack. When things don't go as planned, having both the run and the pass available as viable weapons is invaluable to a team in making necessary in-game adjustments.
UW-W Analysis: The presence of All-American running back Levell Coppage brings a unique weapon that other teams simply don't possess. Any defensive coordinator game planning for UW-W is almost forced to try to slow down Coppage first. If he doesn't, the Warhawks will almost certainly pound his defense all afternoon and have them worn down by the end of the third quarter. Although, Coppage has been contained on occasion, the overcommitment necessary to accomplish that containment has left the team vulnerable to the pass. The key to slowing down the UW-W offense is to slow down Coppage while playing UW-W straight up. A team with a superior defensive line who can compete with Whitewater on the line of scrimmage has the best chance of derailing the Warhawks offense. Overall, the Warhawks offensive line has not been as dominant this year as last year. While the UW-W offensive line is very good and appears to be improving in the past few games, their ability to win the battle against teams like St. Thomas and Mount Union will likely go a long way in determining the ability of UW-W to threepeat.
3. Creating turnovers: Taking the ball away is a huge component of winning playoff football. Takeaways have the immediate effect of changing momentum, confidence levels, and usually field position. Over the course of a game, the extra possessions gained by a team taking the ball away will usually result in tipping the scales towards victory.
UW-W Analysis: The Warhawks 4 takeaways against Albion was a welcome playoff start in this important category. That type of defensive intensity and mentality will be crucial to a deep playoff run for the Warhawks. While UW-W has a respectable 25 takeaways, the following potential playoff opponents have more:
Kean (34), Mount Union (33), Salisbury (32), Delaware Valley (30), Mary Hardin-Baylor (29), McMurry (29), North Central (29), Wabash (28), and Monmouth (27). With an offense not likely to give the ball away, any takeaways the UW-W defense can get have the potential to be game-changers.
4. Forcing Teams to become one dimensional. When an aspect of a team's offensive arsenal is nullified, they begin to become more predictable and easier to defend. It also causes offensive teams to become less patient and more prone to mistakes.
UW-W Analysis: The focus of the UW-W defense is usually to shut down the opponents running game. The Warhawks defense has yielded 79.9 yards per game and 2.6 yards per carry. In 2010, the UW-W defense gave up 46.6 yards per game and 1.7 yards per carry. Part of the difference was one particular half of one game that stands out as an anomaly in 2010. UW-Oshkosh gained 214 yards on 42 carries on October 22, 2011. After repeatedly allowing UW-O to hurt them on the edge in the first half, UW-W adjusted and held the Titans to 2.2 ypc and 47 net rushing yards in pitching a second half shutout. This type of anomaly cannot be repeated in the playoffs. One match-up to keep and eye on will be a potential match-up with Salisbury in the quarter-finals. Salisbury runs the most prolific option offense in the country and averages 363.27 yards rushing per game.
5. Limit the opponents big plays. UW-W employs a fundamentally sound, gap disciplined approach to defense. This defense is built on forcing an opponent to drive the length of the field and winning enough battles to stop that from happening. Needless to say, big plays throw a severe wrench into this philosophy.
UW-W analysis: UW-W has allowed more long pass plays than they would have liked this year. There seems to be a variety of reasons for the different breakdowns. However, Noah Timm has emerged as a huge playmaker in the defensive backfield. UW-W will not be afraid to use Timm to shadow an opponents' top receiver when necessary. UW-W will also focus on creating pressure on the opposing quarterback with well timed defensive line stunts and blitzes.
6. Playmakers- As the playoffs progress, there will be more and more key moments in games in which teams' best players will be called upon to make a play, whether on offense, defense, or special teams. The teams with the most talented and clutch playmakers will find themselves with a strong advantage.
UW-W Analysis: UW-W finds itself in a great position in this category. They have multiple players in every phase of the game capable of making a big play during crucial stretches of the game. Although more could be mentioned, here are 3 playmakers on each UW-W unit.
Offense
Matt Blanchard
Levell Coppage
Tyler Huber
Defense
Greg Arnold
Casey Casper
Noah Timm
Special Teams
Levell Coppage
Jaren Borland
Eric Kindler
It is this category as much as any that has separated the Warhawks from most of the field over the last six years and this category that will likely determine just how deep the playoff run will go for the 2011 Warhawks.
When assessing on-field factors, there are several that stand out as vital in determining a team's ability to make a deep run in the D3 playoffs. Below is an analysis of some performance keys to UW-W's bid for a third straight NCAA D3 National Championship.
1. Taking Care of the Football. Turning the ball over is one of the quickest ways to assure an early exit in the playoffs. Even the lesser teams in the tournament are teams that are used to winning and most are capable of making a team pay for giving the ball away.
UW-W Analysis: The Warhawks have turned the ball over 8 times in 818 touches (479 rushes, 280 passes, and 59 returns). Only St. Scholastica has turned the ball over fewer times (7). UW-W has not given the ball away at all in the last four games and only twice in the last six games. QB Matt Blanchard has thrown 481 passes with 41 TD's and only 4 interceptions in his 21 career starts. UW-Whitewater simply refuses to beat themselves, which has gone a long way toward extending the Warhawks' nation leading 41 game winning streak.
2. Balanced Offense. A team capable of both running and passing is far more difficult to defend and prepare for than a team that relies on a one dimensional attack. When things don't go as planned, having both the run and the pass available as viable weapons is invaluable to a team in making necessary in-game adjustments.
UW-W Analysis: The presence of All-American running back Levell Coppage brings a unique weapon that other teams simply don't possess. Any defensive coordinator game planning for UW-W is almost forced to try to slow down Coppage first. If he doesn't, the Warhawks will almost certainly pound his defense all afternoon and have them worn down by the end of the third quarter. Although, Coppage has been contained on occasion, the overcommitment necessary to accomplish that containment has left the team vulnerable to the pass. The key to slowing down the UW-W offense is to slow down Coppage while playing UW-W straight up. A team with a superior defensive line who can compete with Whitewater on the line of scrimmage has the best chance of derailing the Warhawks offense. Overall, the Warhawks offensive line has not been as dominant this year as last year. While the UW-W offensive line is very good and appears to be improving in the past few games, their ability to win the battle against teams like St. Thomas and Mount Union will likely go a long way in determining the ability of UW-W to threepeat.
3. Creating turnovers: Taking the ball away is a huge component of winning playoff football. Takeaways have the immediate effect of changing momentum, confidence levels, and usually field position. Over the course of a game, the extra possessions gained by a team taking the ball away will usually result in tipping the scales towards victory.
UW-W Analysis: The Warhawks 4 takeaways against Albion was a welcome playoff start in this important category. That type of defensive intensity and mentality will be crucial to a deep playoff run for the Warhawks. While UW-W has a respectable 25 takeaways, the following potential playoff opponents have more:
Kean (34), Mount Union (33), Salisbury (32), Delaware Valley (30), Mary Hardin-Baylor (29), McMurry (29), North Central (29), Wabash (28), and Monmouth (27). With an offense not likely to give the ball away, any takeaways the UW-W defense can get have the potential to be game-changers.
4. Forcing Teams to become one dimensional. When an aspect of a team's offensive arsenal is nullified, they begin to become more predictable and easier to defend. It also causes offensive teams to become less patient and more prone to mistakes.
UW-W Analysis: The focus of the UW-W defense is usually to shut down the opponents running game. The Warhawks defense has yielded 79.9 yards per game and 2.6 yards per carry. In 2010, the UW-W defense gave up 46.6 yards per game and 1.7 yards per carry. Part of the difference was one particular half of one game that stands out as an anomaly in 2010. UW-Oshkosh gained 214 yards on 42 carries on October 22, 2011. After repeatedly allowing UW-O to hurt them on the edge in the first half, UW-W adjusted and held the Titans to 2.2 ypc and 47 net rushing yards in pitching a second half shutout. This type of anomaly cannot be repeated in the playoffs. One match-up to keep and eye on will be a potential match-up with Salisbury in the quarter-finals. Salisbury runs the most prolific option offense in the country and averages 363.27 yards rushing per game.
5. Limit the opponents big plays. UW-W employs a fundamentally sound, gap disciplined approach to defense. This defense is built on forcing an opponent to drive the length of the field and winning enough battles to stop that from happening. Needless to say, big plays throw a severe wrench into this philosophy.
UW-W analysis: UW-W has allowed more long pass plays than they would have liked this year. There seems to be a variety of reasons for the different breakdowns. However, Noah Timm has emerged as a huge playmaker in the defensive backfield. UW-W will not be afraid to use Timm to shadow an opponents' top receiver when necessary. UW-W will also focus on creating pressure on the opposing quarterback with well timed defensive line stunts and blitzes.
6. Playmakers- As the playoffs progress, there will be more and more key moments in games in which teams' best players will be called upon to make a play, whether on offense, defense, or special teams. The teams with the most talented and clutch playmakers will find themselves with a strong advantage.
UW-W Analysis: UW-W finds itself in a great position in this category. They have multiple players in every phase of the game capable of making a big play during crucial stretches of the game. Although more could be mentioned, here are 3 playmakers on each UW-W unit.
Offense
Matt Blanchard
Levell Coppage
Tyler Huber
Defense
Greg Arnold
Casey Casper
Noah Timm
Special Teams
Levell Coppage
Jaren Borland
Eric Kindler
It is this category as much as any that has separated the Warhawks from most of the field over the last six years and this category that will likely determine just how deep the playoff run will go for the 2011 Warhawks.
Friday, November 18, 2011
NCAA First Round Projections and One Liners
UW-W 42
Albion 3
Albion gets a taste of a new level.
Franklin 38
Thomas More 28
The Saints will find it hard to slow down the Griz passing attack
Kean 17
Christoper Newport 13
CNU shows mettle, but Kean defense too much.
Salisbury 63
Western New England 7
NEFC Champ suffers same fate as most of the E-8 this year.
St. Thomas 61
St. Scholastica 0
Tommies like to pound inferior opponents
Illinois Wesleyan 42
Monmouth 24
Monmouth ready to step up in class......offensively.
Johns Hopkins 42
St. John Fisher 28
Fisher has given up at least 36 points three times this year.
Delaware Valley 58
Norwich 0
Del Val gets off to a big start in journey to justify #1 seed.
Mary Hardin-Baylor 45
Redlands 17
UMHB figures to light up average Bulldogs defense.
McMurry 35
Trinity 14
Mullin not playing for War Hawks could change this result significantly.
Linfield 41
Cal Lutheran 27
Linfield carries forward tradition of SCIAC graveyard.
Wesley 42
Hobart 7
Wolverines on a mission.
Wabash 49
Illinois College 17
One of the strongest Little Giants teams of recent years.
North Central 34
Dubuque 14
Very tough draw for Spartans team that could beat much of the field.
Centre 24
Hampden-Sydney 20
Hard to imagine either pulling away.
Mount Union 63
Benedictine 0
Impossible to imagine Purple Raiders NOT pulling away.
Albion 3
Albion gets a taste of a new level.
Franklin 38
Thomas More 28
The Saints will find it hard to slow down the Griz passing attack
Kean 17
Christoper Newport 13
CNU shows mettle, but Kean defense too much.
Salisbury 63
Western New England 7
NEFC Champ suffers same fate as most of the E-8 this year.
St. Thomas 61
St. Scholastica 0
Tommies like to pound inferior opponents
Illinois Wesleyan 42
Monmouth 24
Monmouth ready to step up in class......offensively.
Johns Hopkins 42
St. John Fisher 28
Fisher has given up at least 36 points three times this year.
Delaware Valley 58
Norwich 0
Del Val gets off to a big start in journey to justify #1 seed.
Mary Hardin-Baylor 45
Redlands 17
UMHB figures to light up average Bulldogs defense.
McMurry 35
Trinity 14
Mullin not playing for War Hawks could change this result significantly.
Linfield 41
Cal Lutheran 27
Linfield carries forward tradition of SCIAC graveyard.
Wesley 42
Hobart 7
Wolverines on a mission.
Wabash 49
Illinois College 17
One of the strongest Little Giants teams of recent years.
North Central 34
Dubuque 14
Very tough draw for Spartans team that could beat much of the field.
Centre 24
Hampden-Sydney 20
Hard to imagine either pulling away.
Mount Union 63
Benedictine 0
Impossible to imagine Purple Raiders NOT pulling away.
Friday, November 11, 2011
WIAC PROJECTIONS
UW-Eau Claire (4-5, 2-4) at UW-River Falls (1-8, 2-5)
When the Blugolds blew out St. John's, then won their first two WIAC games and played UW-Oshkosh down to the wire, who would have thought they would play at Falls trying to avoid being dumped into last place in the final conference standings? Yet after three straight conference losses and four in their last five conference games, that's where they sit. Meanwhile, the Falcons are riding high after earning their first victory for first year coach Matt Walker last week at LaCrosse. Saturday, they will be gunning for Walker's first HOME win. Taylor Edwards should carry the load for the Falcons, while the Blugolds' top rated passing offense could have their way with the Falcons' bottom ranked pass defense. Expect some points in this one.
UW-River Falls 34
UW-Eau Claire 31
UW-Stevens Point (4-5, 2-4) at UW-Platteville (6-3, 4-2)
The Pointers are looking to avoid their first overall losing season since 2005 with a win at Platteville. The Pioneers come in riding a three game WIAC winning streak and have a chance for an outright second place finish with a victory and an Oshkosh loss. UW-P has simply played better than Point this year. Having already clinched their first winning season since 2004, look for the Pioneers to finish well.
UW-Platteville 27
UW-Stevens Point 21
UW-Stout (5-4, 3-3) at UW-Oshkosh (6-3, 4-2)
The Titans seemed to regain their balance last week after consecutive disappointing losses to UW-Whitewater and UW-LaCrosse. The Blue Devils have struggled on offense throughout the year, ranking last in the WIAC in scoring offense. UW-S will be looking to avenge a September 56-10 non-conference embarrassment. The Titans will look to take out their frustrations over a season that "could have been" on the Blue Devils. This one should be interesting to watch.
UW-Oshkosh 23
UW-Stout 14
UW-LaCrosse (3-6, 2-4) at UW-Whitewater (9-0, 6-0)
The up and down Eagles look to make their season against the defending National Champion and bitter rival Warhawks. Beating UW-Oshkosh and losing to UW-River Falls in consecutive weeks is both mind boggling and WIAC typical. UW-L will be loose and will probably take plenty of chances. UW-W will be focused with a #1 NCAA playoff seed likely on the line.
UW-Whitewater 38
UW-LaCrosse 14
When the Blugolds blew out St. John's, then won their first two WIAC games and played UW-Oshkosh down to the wire, who would have thought they would play at Falls trying to avoid being dumped into last place in the final conference standings? Yet after three straight conference losses and four in their last five conference games, that's where they sit. Meanwhile, the Falcons are riding high after earning their first victory for first year coach Matt Walker last week at LaCrosse. Saturday, they will be gunning for Walker's first HOME win. Taylor Edwards should carry the load for the Falcons, while the Blugolds' top rated passing offense could have their way with the Falcons' bottom ranked pass defense. Expect some points in this one.
UW-River Falls 34
UW-Eau Claire 31
UW-Stevens Point (4-5, 2-4) at UW-Platteville (6-3, 4-2)
The Pointers are looking to avoid their first overall losing season since 2005 with a win at Platteville. The Pioneers come in riding a three game WIAC winning streak and have a chance for an outright second place finish with a victory and an Oshkosh loss. UW-P has simply played better than Point this year. Having already clinched their first winning season since 2004, look for the Pioneers to finish well.
UW-Platteville 27
UW-Stevens Point 21
UW-Stout (5-4, 3-3) at UW-Oshkosh (6-3, 4-2)
The Titans seemed to regain their balance last week after consecutive disappointing losses to UW-Whitewater and UW-LaCrosse. The Blue Devils have struggled on offense throughout the year, ranking last in the WIAC in scoring offense. UW-S will be looking to avenge a September 56-10 non-conference embarrassment. The Titans will look to take out their frustrations over a season that "could have been" on the Blue Devils. This one should be interesting to watch.
UW-Oshkosh 23
UW-Stout 14
UW-LaCrosse (3-6, 2-4) at UW-Whitewater (9-0, 6-0)
The up and down Eagles look to make their season against the defending National Champion and bitter rival Warhawks. Beating UW-Oshkosh and losing to UW-River Falls in consecutive weeks is both mind boggling and WIAC typical. UW-L will be loose and will probably take plenty of chances. UW-W will be focused with a #1 NCAA playoff seed likely on the line.
UW-Whitewater 38
UW-LaCrosse 14
Friday, November 4, 2011
WIAC PROJECTIONS
UW-Oshkosh at UW-Stevens Point
The Titans let down big time last week after playing UW-Whitewater very tough the week before. This game isn't about how the numbers stack up nearly as much as it is about the internal mettle of UW-Oshkosh. The Titans lose this one and they are just another WIAC team that possesses talent and toughness but unable to rise above the pack in the best conference in the country.
UW-Oshkosh 27
UW-Stevens Point 20
UW-Platteville at UW-Stout
Each team (both are 5-3, 3-2 in the WIAC) is looking to lock up a winning season and position themselves to be in the WIAC upper tier. Both have won two straight. Stout has allowed only 10 points over the past two games and UW-Platteville seems to be gaining great offensive momentum, scoring 65 points over the same span. It will be hard for UW-S to hold UW-P down and hard to keep up with them if they don't.
UW-Platteville 31
UW-Stout 20
UW-River Falls at UW-LaCrosse
UW-RF will be looking to get over the top and earn Coach Matt Walker his first win after narrow misses the last two weeks against Platteville and Stout. UW-LaCrosse's Ben Hertrampf is one of the hottest backs in the WIAC going over 180 yards in two of the last three weeks. The Eagles shocked UW-Oshkosh last week. Can they carry the momentum forward or will they let down as the Titans appeared to last week? Hertrampf vs a defense giving up 5.0 yards per carry is hard to overlook.
UW-LaCrosse 24
UW-River Falls 7
UW-Whitewater at UW-Eau Claire
The Blugolds come into Saturday's game having lost 3 of their last 4. One of the problems has been a defense who allowed only 16.75 points per game the first four games, but 25.75 points over the last four. Austin Neu, the conference's leading passer will be trying to test a UW-W defense that gave up completions of 36, 34, and 29 yards in the first half last week to UW-Stevens Point's Theo Maglio. However, once the Warhawks adjusted by shadowing Maglio with cornerback Noah Timm, Maglio caught one pass for three yards in the second half. After clinching a share of the WIAC crown last week, they look to claim it outright Saturday and begin to establish a rhythm offensively and defensively as the playoffs near.
UW-Whitewater 35
UW-Eau Claire 13
The Titans let down big time last week after playing UW-Whitewater very tough the week before. This game isn't about how the numbers stack up nearly as much as it is about the internal mettle of UW-Oshkosh. The Titans lose this one and they are just another WIAC team that possesses talent and toughness but unable to rise above the pack in the best conference in the country.
UW-Oshkosh 27
UW-Stevens Point 20
UW-Platteville at UW-Stout
Each team (both are 5-3, 3-2 in the WIAC) is looking to lock up a winning season and position themselves to be in the WIAC upper tier. Both have won two straight. Stout has allowed only 10 points over the past two games and UW-Platteville seems to be gaining great offensive momentum, scoring 65 points over the same span. It will be hard for UW-S to hold UW-P down and hard to keep up with them if they don't.
UW-Platteville 31
UW-Stout 20
UW-River Falls at UW-LaCrosse
UW-RF will be looking to get over the top and earn Coach Matt Walker his first win after narrow misses the last two weeks against Platteville and Stout. UW-LaCrosse's Ben Hertrampf is one of the hottest backs in the WIAC going over 180 yards in two of the last three weeks. The Eagles shocked UW-Oshkosh last week. Can they carry the momentum forward or will they let down as the Titans appeared to last week? Hertrampf vs a defense giving up 5.0 yards per carry is hard to overlook.
UW-LaCrosse 24
UW-River Falls 7
UW-Whitewater at UW-Eau Claire
The Blugolds come into Saturday's game having lost 3 of their last 4. One of the problems has been a defense who allowed only 16.75 points per game the first four games, but 25.75 points over the last four. Austin Neu, the conference's leading passer will be trying to test a UW-W defense that gave up completions of 36, 34, and 29 yards in the first half last week to UW-Stevens Point's Theo Maglio. However, once the Warhawks adjusted by shadowing Maglio with cornerback Noah Timm, Maglio caught one pass for three yards in the second half. After clinching a share of the WIAC crown last week, they look to claim it outright Saturday and begin to establish a rhythm offensively and defensively as the playoffs near.
UW-Whitewater 35
UW-Eau Claire 13
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Rise Up, Shut Down, Close Out
Close games may scare fans, but they don't scare the UW-Whitewater Warhawks defense. Since the beginning of the 2009 football season, 14 opponents found themselves one score away from tying or taking the lead against UW-W in the second half of a football game. In all 14 of those games the Whitewater defense went into shut down, close out mode to take the game away from their opponent. Whether the Warhawks forced a timely takeaway or simply became an impenetrable stone wall, there was a point in each "close game" where the UW-W defense simply took over. In 12 of the 14 games, Whitewater shut out it's opponent in the fourth quarter.
Here is a recap of the key moments and a description of when and how the UW-W defense rose the occasion in the 14 most competitive games since the beginning of the 2009 season.
October 10, 2009 UW-Eau Claire at Whitewater
In the 3rd quarter, the Blugolds culminated a 50 yard scoring drive with a 7 yard scoring pass from Kyle Paulson to Brett Schreiner. UW-EC converted the 2 point conversion to close within 17-14 with 11:30 left in the 3rd quarter. However, the Warhawks held the Blugolds scoreless over the final 26:30 of the game forcing two punts and holding on downs on a 4th quarter goal-line stand in a 31-14 UW-W victory.
December 5, 2009 Wittenberg at Whitewater. NCAA Quarterfinal
The Warhawks held a 14-13 lead at the half. However, the UW-W defense held the Tigers scoreless in their 7 second half possessions. The Warhawks forced 5 punts, an interception, and a stop on downs on their way to a 31-13 playoff victory.
December 12, 2009 Linfield at Whitewater. NCAA Semifinal
The Linfield Wildcats, led by QB Aaron Boehme, provided a huge threat to the UW-W title hopes. Boehme led the Wildcats on scoring drives of 78 and 72 yards to turn a 10-7 halftime deficit into a 17-10 Linfield lead early in the fourth quarter. On the second drive, the Wildcats faced a 3rd and 8 on the UW-W 14 yard line, threatening to go ahead by 2 scores. Kyle Supianoski sacked Boehme for an 8 yard loss, forcing the Wildcats to take the field goal and settle for the 7 point lead. On the Wildcats three fourth quarter possessions, the Warhawks defense forced a punt, held on downs, and intercepted a Boehme pass to seal the win and advance to the Stagg Bowl.
December 19, 2009 Mount Union. National Championship in Salem, VA.
The Warhawks held a 28-21 fourth quarter lead when the Purple Raiders' Alex Ferrara intercepted a pass at the UW-W 31. Mount took advantage of the short field when QB Kurt Rocco scored from 5 yards out 5 plays later to tie the score at 28. After an ensuing UW-W 3 and out, momentum was on the Raiders' side. However, 3 plays later Whitewater linebacker Lane Olson hit running back Wes Ryder, forcing a fumble that UW-W's Paul Wick recovered on the Raiders 39 yard line. Once again Mount held UW-W to a 3 and out. However, once again Olson forced a fumble, this time by Terrance Morring. Whitewater's Matt McCulloch recovered at the UW-W 28.
After yet another Whitewater punt, the pressure was again on the defense to come up with a stop. This time Olson sacked Kurt Rocco forcing a Raiders 3 and out. Whitewater finally regained the lead on a 31 yard Levell Coppage TD run. On the next possession, Wesley Hicks sacked Rocco, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Supianoski at the Mount 30. A Jeff Schebler 44 yard field goal sealed the victory and the National Championship for UW-W. Fittingly, on the Raiders' final possession, Rocco was sacked by Whitewater's Anthony White on the last play of the game. All told, not including the final Mount possession, once the Purple Raiders tied the score, their final four offensive possessions ended in a punt and three UW-W takeaways.
October 9, 2010. UW-Stout at Whitewater.
The Warhawks held a 10-7 halftime lead. However, in the second half the UW-W defense held Stout scoreless in the second half. QB Ross Carey was 6 of 18 passing and sacked three times in the second half of the 31-10 Whitewater win.
November 20, 2010. Franklin at Whitewater. NCAA First Round
November 27, 2010. Trine at Whitewater. NCAA Second Round
December 18, 2010. Mount Union. National Championship in Salem, VA.
Here is a recap of the key moments and a description of when and how the UW-W defense rose the occasion in the 14 most competitive games since the beginning of the 2009 season.
October 10, 2009 UW-Eau Claire at Whitewater
In the 3rd quarter, the Blugolds culminated a 50 yard scoring drive with a 7 yard scoring pass from Kyle Paulson to Brett Schreiner. UW-EC converted the 2 point conversion to close within 17-14 with 11:30 left in the 3rd quarter. However, the Warhawks held the Blugolds scoreless over the final 26:30 of the game forcing two punts and holding on downs on a 4th quarter goal-line stand in a 31-14 UW-W victory.
December 5, 2009 Wittenberg at Whitewater. NCAA Quarterfinal
The Warhawks held a 14-13 lead at the half. However, the UW-W defense held the Tigers scoreless in their 7 second half possessions. The Warhawks forced 5 punts, an interception, and a stop on downs on their way to a 31-13 playoff victory.
December 12, 2009 Linfield at Whitewater. NCAA Semifinal
The Linfield Wildcats, led by QB Aaron Boehme, provided a huge threat to the UW-W title hopes. Boehme led the Wildcats on scoring drives of 78 and 72 yards to turn a 10-7 halftime deficit into a 17-10 Linfield lead early in the fourth quarter. On the second drive, the Wildcats faced a 3rd and 8 on the UW-W 14 yard line, threatening to go ahead by 2 scores. Kyle Supianoski sacked Boehme for an 8 yard loss, forcing the Wildcats to take the field goal and settle for the 7 point lead. On the Wildcats three fourth quarter possessions, the Warhawks defense forced a punt, held on downs, and intercepted a Boehme pass to seal the win and advance to the Stagg Bowl.
December 19, 2009 Mount Union. National Championship in Salem, VA.
The Warhawks held a 28-21 fourth quarter lead when the Purple Raiders' Alex Ferrara intercepted a pass at the UW-W 31. Mount took advantage of the short field when QB Kurt Rocco scored from 5 yards out 5 plays later to tie the score at 28. After an ensuing UW-W 3 and out, momentum was on the Raiders' side. However, 3 plays later Whitewater linebacker Lane Olson hit running back Wes Ryder, forcing a fumble that UW-W's Paul Wick recovered on the Raiders 39 yard line. Once again Mount held UW-W to a 3 and out. However, once again Olson forced a fumble, this time by Terrance Morring. Whitewater's Matt McCulloch recovered at the UW-W 28.
After yet another Whitewater punt, the pressure was again on the defense to come up with a stop. This time Olson sacked Kurt Rocco forcing a Raiders 3 and out. Whitewater finally regained the lead on a 31 yard Levell Coppage TD run. On the next possession, Wesley Hicks sacked Rocco, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Supianoski at the Mount 30. A Jeff Schebler 44 yard field goal sealed the victory and the National Championship for UW-W. Fittingly, on the Raiders' final possession, Rocco was sacked by Whitewater's Anthony White on the last play of the game. All told, not including the final Mount possession, once the Purple Raiders tied the score, their final four offensive possessions ended in a punt and three UW-W takeaways.
October 9, 2010. UW-Stout at Whitewater.
The Warhawks held a 10-7 halftime lead. However, in the second half the UW-W defense held Stout scoreless in the second half. QB Ross Carey was 6 of 18 passing and sacked three times in the second half of the 31-10 Whitewater win.
November 20, 2010. Franklin at Whitewater. NCAA First Round
With UW-W holding a 21-14 lead, the defense held the Grizzlies to 7 second half points in what turned out to be a 52-21 playoff route. The Warhawks forced 3 punts, 2 turnovers, and ended one possession on downs around the lone scoring drive in the second half.
November 27, 2010. Trine at Whitewater. NCAA Second Round
After a wild First half, UW-W led 31-24 at the half. Trine intercepted a Lee Brekke pass and returned it to the UW-W one. Two plays later, Trine scored, tying the game at 31.
The next two possessions, UW-W punted, so defense was critical during this juncture. The Whitewater defense rose to the occasion intercepting a pass, recovering a fumble, and forcing three punts on Trine’s final 5 possessions, propelling UW-W to a 45-31 playoff win.
December 4, 2010. UW-Whitewater at North Central. NCAA Quarterfinal
After playing UW-W to a 7-7 tie in the first half, NCC kicked a field goal on their first second half possession to give the Cardinals a 10-7 lead with 6:30 left in the third quarter. However, the Warhawk defense forced turnovers on the next three NCC possession propelling UW-W to a 20-10 victory.
December 11, 2010. UW-Whitewater at Wesley
The Warhawks held a slim 10-7 lead at halftime of the National Semi-final game at Wesley. However, the UW-W defense intercepted passes on the first three possessions of the second half and pitched a second half leading the Warhawks to a 27-7 victory and a berth in the 2010 Stagg Bowl.
December 18, 2010. Mount Union. National Championship in Salem, VA.
After giving up 21 first half points, the Warhawks defense was called upon to come up big in the 2010 Stagg Bowl. With only a 7 point lead and the first six UW-W second half possessions netting 4 punts and 2 interceptions, it was critical for the Warhawks defense to hold the fort. The Warhawks brought home the National Championship when the defense limited the high powered Raiders to four punts, three turnovers, and no points in their seven second half possessions.
October 1, 2011 UW-Platteville at Whitewater.
The Pioneers tied the score at 14 with 14 seconds left in the fist half when they fooled the Warhawks defense with a halfback pass for a 35 yard TD with 14 seconds left in the first half. However, UW-W pitched a second half shutout, stopping the Pioneers on downs on their first four second half possessions and intercepting a pass on their fifth and final possession as the Warhawks won going away 34-14.
October 14, 2011 UW-Stout at Whitewater.
The Warhawks were cruising, or at least they thought they were when they took a 28-7 lead into the locker room at halftime. However, the Blue Devils made a game of it with two third quarter TD’s to cut the lead to 28-21. However, from that point on, the Warhawks forced a punt and two interceptions on the Blue Devils’ next three possessions, including a pick that set up the offense at the Stout 10 yard line. The Warhawks converted and at the end of the day, UW-W had doubled up the Blue Devils 42-21.
October 22, 2011 UW-Whitewater at UW-Oshkosh
The Titans led 17-10 at halftime in the battle of WIAC unbeatens. However, the UW-W defense went into shut down mode shutting out the Titans in a 20-17 Warhawk win. After giving up more than 200 yards in the first half, the UW-W defense gave up less than 100 in the second half. UW-O’s 5 second half possessions resulted in 0 points, 3 punts, 1 stop on downs, and an interception on a desperation pass in the end zone with one second left in the game to seal the Warhawk victory.
October 29, 2011 UW-Stevens Point at UW-Whitewater
One week after giving up 17 first half points to Oshkosh, the Hawks gave up 16 in the first half to the Pointers. Would they be able to turn things around defensively yet again? For the second consecutive week, UW-W outscored it’s opponent 10-0 in the second half, this time pulling away to a 31-16 win. In seven Pointer second half drives, four ended with punts, two with interceptions, and one ended on downs.
There are likely to be a number of close games still ahead for the Warhawks. That may be nerve wracking for fans, but it is good news for a defense that seems to relish the opportunity to rise up, shut down the opponent, and close out the game.
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